Priorities are skewed in our school systems

Posted: Tuesday, February 03, 2004

What is the purpose of an academic education? It is to prepare students to compete in the adult world by providing them with the skills needed and encouraging them to absorb as much of this education as possible while they are in school? We are talking about reading, writing and arithmetic, known as curricular subjects. Making the honor roll in a class should be an event that is not only encouraged, but also applauded. Not all students will achieve this goal, but all should be encouraged and spoken well of when they work to the best of their abilities.

In contrast to this view, the Athens Banner-Herald (Jan.25) described in an article how the honor roll and other means of bringing attention to academic achievement should be dropped because it causes embarrassment to other students. This also would include a ban on posting good work on bulletin boards, spelling bees, science fairs and other forms of recognition of good work.

In contrast to banning attention to academic achievements, the sports pages of the paper daily list winners of athletic events such as basketball, football and swimming accomplishments accompanied by full-color pictures. Trophies are awarded to schools and students for outstanding achievement in these extracurricular events. How many athletes will earn a living competing in professional sports compared to those who get an education in a curricular subject such as mathematics, science, literature or history? Very, very few. Yet sports are glorified and spoken of as if exceeded the worth of a good curricular education.

Where are our values? How can we belittle the serious student, and hold up the athlete? This is one of the many reasons there are so many problems related to public education in the schools today.